If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world!

Episode 60: The Story of Compensation

Compensation is one of the most powerful clues a horse gives us about what their body is dealing with. Whether it’s pain, imbalance, instability, or simply an adaptation that once helped but now hinders. In this episode, we explore how compensation patterns form, how they evolve over time, and why understanding them is essential for effective bodywork, posture rehabilitation, and long-term soundness.

Here’s what we cover:

What compensation is and how primary issues create normalised patterns of movement for protection, stability, and comfort.

Types of compensation patterns: functional vs dysfunctional, transient vs established, isolated vs whole-body, and why they’re such an important diagnostic puzzle.

What happens when we release compensation, the “fall-apart” phase, why deeper issues emerge, and the role of muscle activation, targeted rehab, and taping.

When to release vs when to leave compensation in place, and how teamwork, timing, and owner skill determine successful long-term outcomes.

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

 If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends. A 5-star rating helps us continue creating education that makes a real difference for horses around the world!

Episode 59: Joint Injections - Good, Bad or Necessary? 

Joint injections are a commonly used pharmaceutical approach to managing equine joints. While they can bring comfort and reduce inflammation, they’re not a long-term solution on their own. We discuss why comfort stemming from sustainable movement is different to masking the symptoms of joint changes.  

In this week’s podcast, we unpack:

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

Today is very last day to join the Equine Functional Posture course! Tried it all and know you want real change? Decided your horse has room for improvement and want to get it right the first time?  Join us for this foundation course that WILL change how you help you horse! 

Episode 58: The Equine Stifle

fun fact: Did you know a horse’s “knee” is actually their wrist and their true knee (the stifle) is the equivalent of our knee?
The stifle plays a massive role in posture, stability, and energy efficiency but when it starts to lock, slip or clunk, or joint changes begin to show- the problem often lies in the soft tissues of the body and the horse's posture!

In this week’s podcast, we unpack:

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

The doors to the Equine Functional Posture course are open now! Tried it all and know you want real change?  Join us for this foundation course that WILL change how you help you horse! 

Episode 57: The Belly Lift

Belly lifts are one of the most common equine exercises but refining this exercise, and using it well make all the difference.Even if you've done 1000 belly lifts in your lifetime - we guarantee you'll learn something in this episode!

In this episode, we explore:

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

 If you would like to explore the relationship between Posture and Behaviour - Join Raquel in her FREE Masterclass - Is Your Horse Misbehaving Or Communicating?   Register Here - https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/pbmc-oct25

Episode 56: Bolting & the posture connection

Bolting can be one of the most alarming vices. Today we talk about  connection between functional posture, biomechanics, and the nervous system that underlies bolting.

We explore:

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

 If you would like to explore the relationship between Posture and Behaviour - Join Raquel in her FREE Masterclass - Is Your Horse Misbehaving Or Communicating?   Register Here - https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com/pbmc-oct25

Episode 55: The Canter (Listener Request)

Chances are you’ve had trouble with the canter at some point. In this episodewe unpack what the canter reveals about posture, strength, and balance - and how you see this is their behaiour during the canter. From the biomechanics of the lumbosacropelvic complex to the iliopsoas, thoracic sling, and core engagement, you’ll learn why the canter is the ultimate test of integration. We also explore common behaviours that show up when the canter is poor: bucking, tension, reluctance- and how bodywork and mindful training restore balance and confidence.

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

 If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!!

Episode 54: Postural Insights for Minis & Shetlands

Thankyou Belinda for requesting this weeks episode! We’re talking all things Minis and Shetlands, and because these little horses are so much more than paddock ornaments. Their unique challenges include dental and metabolic issues, upright feet, limb deviations, and stifle/hip concerns.

We talk about:

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

 If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!!

Episode 52: Training vs Conditioning

Training and conditioning often get blurred together, but they’re very different — and both matter. In this episode we break down what each really means, why your horse needs both, and how to find the right balance when working with your horse.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The true difference between training (mind, skills, behaviour) and conditioning ( fitness, strength)

How training improves safety, confidence, and communication

How conditioning builds strength, endurance, and injury resistance

The timelines of adaptation for muscles, bones, and fitness

Why combining both creates the most willing, capable, and healthy horse

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

 If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!!

Episode 54: Timeline's vs Agenda's

We all have goals and desires for our horses, but sometimes our agenda doesn’t match the realistic timeline our horse needs. In this episode we explore how to balance expectations, adapt to life’s challenges, and honour your horse’s journey. It’s about recognising progress, and learning to set both yourself and your horse up for success - as well as celebrating and accepting where you are in your journey

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to recognise the difference between your agenda and your horse’s timeline

Life factors that add pressure - money, ambition, environment, and the unpredictable

The role of rider challenges, horse individuality, and life factors

Practical strategies to create appropriate timelines

How self-growth and flexibility help you show up better for your horse

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://www.integratedvettherapeutics.com

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]

 If you enjoyed this episode we would love for you to follow and share the episode with your friends and would greatly appreciate a 5 star rating so we can continue to impact the world for the horse!!

Episode  51: Observing the Trot

Observing and evaluating your horse's trot is a useful skill to observe soundness and posture. In this episode we explain what to look for when assessing your horse’s trot, both ridden and unridden.

We’ll also explore:

Key takeaways: focus on head and neck position, spine stability, and pelvic motion to distinguish between a horse moving with ease versus one compensating under tension.

🎓 Want to learn how to assess, interpret, and support your horse’s posture from the ground up? Register on the email list for our next  Equine Functional Posture Course and start building a better future for your horse’s body and mind.

 To learn more about Dr Raquel Butler visit:

Facebook: Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics

Website: https://[email protected]

To learn more about Sophie Vandenberg:

Facebook: Equine Posturelate - Sophie Vandenberg

 Have any questions? Have a topic you would like to hear about?

Email us at: [email protected]